| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Portage/100k people | Michigan/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,773 | n/a (estimate) | 3,632 | 1,998 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 8 | n/a | 16.4 | 6.9 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 34 | n/a | 69.7 | 64.8 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 10 | n/a | 20.5 | 36.6 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 103 | n/a | 211.0 | 352.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 155 | n/a (estimate) | 318 | 461 | 370 |
| Burglary | 114 | n/a | 233.6 | 214.3 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,394 | n/a | 2,855.9 | 1,055.3 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 110 | n/a | 225.4 | 267.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,618 | n/a (estimate) | 3,315 | 1,537 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Portage crime rate is higher than the national average by 56.3%. Specifically, there were 155 violent crimes in Portage, equivalent to 318 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 14.1%. Furthermore, Portage recorded 1618 property crimes, amounting to 3315 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 69.6%.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Portage stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Portage, a total of 8 murders were reported, equating to 16 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Portage. Based on the results of the surveys (15 responses), 80% of people felt that there was very little crime in Portage and felt safe walking alone at night. While 20% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Portage, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Portage presents a total crime rate that is 56% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Portage experiences an average of 4.86 daily crimes, comprising 0.42 violent incidents and 4.43 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Portage. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Portage has decreased by 2.1%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 15.7%, while property crime has decreased by 3.5%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Portage.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Portage, 93% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Portage, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.48, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Portage stands at $174,600, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.
| Item | Portage | Michigan | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 69 | 10,515 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.5 | 2.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Michigan /100K | National /100K |
| Michigan | 40,460 | 414 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| South Gull Lake, MI | 1,615 | 65 | 216 | 280 |
| Mendon, MI | 835 | 0 | 579 | 579 |
| Parchment, MI | 1,887 | 194 | 648 | 842 |
| Marcellus, MI | 1,140 | 220 | 733 | 953 |
| Galesburg, MI | 2,201 | 256 | 853 | 1,109 |
| Schoolcraft, MI | 1,212 | 139 | 970 | 1,109 |
| Richland, MI | 877 | 0 | 1,275 | 1,275 |
| Portage, MI | 49,224 | 318 | 3,315 | 3,632 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Harrisburg, PA | 49,247 | 432 | 2,285 | 2,717 |
| Troy, NY | 49,253 | 673 | 3,351 | 4,023 |
| Cuyahoga Falls, OH | 49,191 | 138 | 1,820 | 1,958 |
| Downers Grove, IL | 49,263 | 124 | 727 | 851 |
| Bedford, TX | 49,145 | 210 | 2,207 | 2,417 |
| Portage, MI | 49,224 | 318 | 3,315 | 3,632 |
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